The Government must focus on investing in social housing, Mario de Marco said in Parliament this evening.

Speaking during a Parliamentary session, the Nationalist MP highlighted that whilst the country goes through an economic boom, many Maltese cannot even afford essential products and property prices.

De Marco said that as a result of the Government's economic acceleration, many citizens face an economic problem of not being able to even afford detergent or gas. Many Maltese are "priced-out of the property market" and cannot afford to buy or even rent; and those who do somehow manage face years of paying back enormous loans."

He questions why the Government has not invested in schemes or projects for social housing. He said that measures to make housing more affordable, especially targeting low-income families, are necessary.

De Marco said that between 2013 till 2018 there was a €2.6 billion increase, an increase which has come out of the tax payer's pockets. He described tax rates as unfair and unjust for those who receive a pay below minimum wage, and that it is Maltese citizens who are constantly paying the government more money, through topping up on fuel and buying detergents.

He said that whilst the economy is booming, the government must take note of international economic affairs, such as Brexit and the rise of extremism in Europe. He explained that such periods of difficulty in international economics can also have a negative impact on Maltese economy.  He stressed that the Maltese have "moved away from a lean government to an access government", one that is not managing its funding properly and which is constantly being criticised for corruption.

He said that the Government cannot keep depending on such schemes as if they will; the title of being a country which is a "financial sleaze" will ruin the legacy and reputation of Malta.